Few films are as bold or thought-provoking as Emilia Pérez. Directed by Jacques Audiard, this genre-defying cinematic experience fuses the grit of a cartel drama with the exuberance of a Broadway musical. Though largely filmed on soundstages in Paris with blue screen technology, the film astonishingly recreates the tactile feel of Mexico’s pueblos mágicos. It’s a work of art that invites audiences to lose themselves in its unique atmosphere while exploring themes of identity, transformation, and redemption.
A Backdrop Both Familiar and Surreal
Audiard’s decision to recreate the film’s setting in a controlled studio environment allowed for extraordinary creative freedom. The result is a world that feels vibrant and alive, yet unmistakably stylized—a blend of operatic grandeur and intimate telenovela aesthetics. The streets, markets, and intimate spaces feel infused with the charm of Mexico’s pueblos mágicos, not through hyperrealism, but through evocative details.
In a quiet moment of Emilia Pérez, a child pedals an old, rusty bike down a dusty street. Draped over the handlebars is a plastic bag that reads «Gracias por comprar» (Thank you for shopping). The bag sways gently with the bike’s movement, its contents a mystery, yet it feels deeply familiar—like it could hold simple groceries or everyday essentials picked up from the local market. The scene captures a sense of the mundane, grounding the film in a world that feels authentic and relatable. But there’s something unexpected about it too. The bag, with its fluttering presence and humble message, becomes more than just an object—it reflects the rhythm of daily life, where even the smallest details carry meaning. This moment, simple as it is, speaks to the film’s ability to find beauty in the ordinary. It draws the audience into the world of Emilia Pérez, where everyday objects tell stories and evoke emotions that linger long after the scene has passed.
“The goal wasn’t to mimic reality,” Audiard explained in an interview, “but to create a version of it that draws viewers closer to the characters.” The film’s sound design amplifies this effect, immersing audiences in everyday moments that are anything but mundane. Scenes of dance, quiet marches, and whispered conversations feel tactile and deeply personal, enhanced by a lighting style that creates a voyeuristic intimacy—as though the film were shot on an iPhone, yet rendered with cinematic brilliance.
Fashion as Storytelling
Costume designer Virginie Montel collaborated with Saint Laurent’s archives to craft a wardrobe that is as much about character evolution as it is about style. Emilia’s transformation is reflected in her bold, expressive outfits, while Rita’s practical yet stylish wardrobe speaks to her grounded nature. Even the extras’ costumes feel poetic, adding texture to every scene.
Selena Gomez, who plays Jessi Del Monte, noted in an interview that the costumes helped her connect to her character. “Jessi’s look is layered—she’s someone trying to reconcile her past with her present, and you can feel that in what she wears.” The film uses fashion not just as an accessory, but as a narrative tool that helps convey the emotional arcs of its characters.
Performances That Anchor the Story
Karla Sofía Gascón delivers a performance as Emilia that is both fearless and tender. Her character’s journey from a ruthless cartel leader to a woman seeking redemption is at the heart of the film, and Gascón portrays it with nuance. In one pivotal scene, Emilia says, “I spent my life erasing others. Now I want to be seen as myself, not as what I’ve done.” It’s a line that captures the essence of her transformation.
Zoe Saldaña is equally compelling as Rita, the lawyer drawn into Emilia’s journey. Saldaña’s portrayal is refreshingly subdued, a departure from the action-heavy roles she’s known for. “Rita is the skeptic in all of us,” Saldaña explained. “She doubts, questions, and yet, she’s ultimately transformed by Emilia’s courage.”
Selena Gomez’s performance as Jessi Del Monte highlights a cultural complexity that mirrors her own identity. Her Spanish, while not flawless, underscores the diversity within the Latinx experience. “My accent is part of my story,” Gomez shared. “It reflects who I am, and I think that’s important to show. Being Latina isn’t just one thing.” This contrast between Gomez and Saldaña, who grew up speaking Spanish, adds another layer of authenticity to the film.
The Extraordinary Extras
The extras in Emilia Pérez are a standout feature, adding depth and authenticity to every scene. They don’t just blend into the background; they bring the world to life. From street vendors arranging their goods to children playing in the distance, each extra feels real and full of purpose, making the film’s setting feel vibrant and lived-in.
Their costumes, designed with care by Virginie Montel, tell their own stories—worn aprons, colorful shawls, and faded clothes reflect the everyday lives of the characters they portray. These small details, paired with their natural movements and interactions, create a world that feels rich and authentic, drawing the audience even deeper into the film.
Layers of Complexity and Uncomfortable Questions
Beneath its vibrant aesthetic, Emilia Pérez explores the tension between identity and redemption. Emilia’s need to become a woman to leave her violent past behind raises thought-provoking questions about societal perceptions of transformation. Does redemption require erasure of one’s past self? Audiard doesn’t provide easy answers but instead uses Emilia’s story to challenge viewers to think deeply about these themes.
The film also touches on the nuanced reception of trans identity within different cultural contexts. Gascón reflected on this in an interview, saying, “In Mexico, being trans isn’t just about identity—it’s about survival. Emilia’s journey is both deeply personal and reflective of a larger struggle.”
A Cinematic Invitation
Emilia Pérez is more than a film; it’s an experience. Through its blend of dazzling aesthetics, immersive soundscapes, and powerful performances, it invites viewers to look beyond the surface and engage with its deeper questions about identity, culture, and transformation. At its heart, Emilia Pérez is a story of immigration, poverty, and redemption—a tale that reflects the resilience of those who seek to escape their past while striving for a better, truer version of themselves. With its bold vision and exceptional storytelling, Emilia Pérez challenges conventions, offering a narrative that is as moving as it is thought-provoking. It’s a film that doesn’t just entertain but leaves an indelible impression, lingering long after the credits roll.
